Big things are afoot in theDoctor Whouniverse, including some reports claiming the current Doctor,Jodie Whittaker, is leaving the BBC show after Season 13. This year’sDoctor Whoholiday special,Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks, aired on New Year’s Day. The game-changing holiday special saw thereturn ofDoctor WhoalumJohn Barrowman, once again reprising his role as Captain Jack Harkness, and theunveiling of a new Dalek design.
Revolution of the Daleksalso proved to be a pivotal episode for setting up expectations forDoctor WhoSeason 13, which is expected to premiere later in 2021. One of the biggest changes, as revealed inRevolution of the Daleks, was the exit ofBradley Walshas Graham andTosin Coleas Ryan. Walsh and Cole have played two of the Thirteenth Doctor’s (Whittaker) three companions for the past two seasons. Meanwhile,Mandip Gillwill return as Yasmin for Season 13 along with a new companion played byJohn Bishop(viaVulture), who was introduced in a teaser trailer followingRevolution of the Daleks.
Now, let’s talk Whittaker. On Monday, reports from outlets includingVarietyandIGNemerged citing a report from UK outlet The Mirror that Whittaker is allegedly exitingDoctor Whoafter Season 13. To be clear, no official statement from the BBC has been made on Whittaker’s alleged exit. In fact, a BBC spokesperson told Variety, “We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.”
Despite a lack of official confirmation on Whittaker’s exit as the Thirteen Doctor (and plans for casting the Fourteenth Doctor), there could be some merit to these claims. In the modern era ofDoctor Who— beginning withChristopher Eccleston’s season — actors who have played the Doctor have typically stayed in the role for two to three seasons before exiting and allowing the character to regenerate into the form of another actor. Season 13 will mark Whittaker’s third season as the Doctor, which opens up room for speculation this will be her last season on the BBC series.
When it comes down to the nuts and bolts ofDoctor WhoSeason 13, information is scarce. We’re not sure what the plot of Season 13 will be or what season-long arcs will be introduced. We do know thatChris Chibnallwill return as showrunner. We also know Season 13, which began filming in November 2020, will be a shorter season. PerDigital Spy, the next season’s episode order was cut from 11 episodes down to eight due to COVID-19-related concerns.
Doctor WhoSeason 13 is expected later in 2021. In the meantime, check out the exciting teaser for John Bishop’sDoctor Whocharacter.
